Should we take the dining plan???

disneypofq05

DIS Veteran
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Jun 26, 2005
Messages
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We are leaving for Disney in about two weeks. We are not sure if we should take the dining plan. We are very light eaters. Just the meal and water. For instance for lunch a sandwhich and glass of water and for dinner your main meal and water (no app. or desert).

Should we skip the meal plan?
 
This is why we decided the dining plan wasn't for us. The plan can be great for those who have appetizers, entrees, dessert and a drink. But for light eaters, it just isn't a good deal.
 
Do you have any kind of discount on your room? Do you already have a package booked?
 
Under normal circumstances, we wouldn't do the dining plan but since it was free, we went with it so we could try some places that may not be where we would normally eat but since it is free, we will give them a try.

Even with one or two bigger eaters in our family, the dining plan is just way too much food for us.
 

We have our room booked through AAA. We haven't booked the dining package as they said we could book it at a later time.
 
If you can get the free dining and it will not change your price, go for it. Just because it is there you don't have to stuff yourselves. Of course, at the TS restaurants the waiters will suggest that you load up since their included gratuity is based on the menu prices of what is ordered.

If it is going to increase your costs then you are probably better off without it.
 
1. Did you buy a MYW package or did you get park tickets seperate?
You can only add dining to a package so if you bought tickets seperate you would be required to purchase additional MYW park tickets(min 1day).

2. Do you have any kids in your party?
This would really decide it for many. If you have kids under 10, no way you can feed them for $10 per day(even with your eating habits). If you have kids in the 10-11 year old range that are terrible eaters, I am sure you wont want to pay $35 per day for them.


Even with the Snack, Sandwich and Entree only dinner you would be very lucky if you can get all of that for less than the $35 per day that the Dining plan costs for each adult. It would probably mean you are only doing Counter Service meals and even then not whole meals. Even if you have a discount on the package(AAA) you can still add the plan, AP discounts are not available on PACKAGE vacations regardless of dining plan or not.
 
To make that determination, IMO, go to the menus at allearsnet.com and figure out the costs of your meals, without the plan. If you'd be spending more than $35.00/day pp, it's worth it.

I keep forgetting this, salads can count as appetizers, too. I kept thinking, an appetizer per person? IF we get an appetizer, it's one to share. However, most places we go, at home, come with salad. Therefore, if my appetizer is the salad, I'm still ok. I may not finish the meal, as I've heard some are big, but I wouldn't finish them on the plan or off the plan.

Also, remember that tax and gratuity are included in the $35.00/pp (adult)
 
We also had thought it would be too much food, but then again I figured $35 a day for my husband was getting off cheap, so we are on the plan. I figure I can always spread some pixie dust by giving up an appatizer or a dessert to some other family seated near us if I am not very hungry. We plan on doing breakfast with the counter service and then a large dinner after 6 with the snack around 1 or 2. But you know your family best and what works for you. Plus I figured on the plan I would try some desserts I normally would never cough up the money for! Have a good trip! ::MinnieMo
 


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